Acetylene-gas-generating apparatus.



PATENTED JAN. 10, 1905.

E. R. 000K. AGETYLENE GAS GENERATING APPARATUS.

APPLIOATION FILED SEPT. 19. 1902.

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MN- @Hmmm No. 779,531. PATBNTED JAN. l0, 1905.

E. R. COOK. I

ACETYLENE GAS GENERATING APPARATUS. APPLIUATION FILED snm'. 19, 1902.

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www i No. 779,531. PATENTBD JAN. 10, 1905.

' B. R. COOK.

ACETYLENE GAS GENERATING APPARATUS. Y

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 19, 1902.

,d @Mm UNITED STATES Patented January 10, 1905.

EDMOND R. COOK, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

ACETYLENE-GAS-GENERATING APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 779,531, dated January 10, 1905.

Application filed September 19., 1902. Serial No. 124.092. l

To all whom it may concern:

- Be it known that I, EDMOND R. COOK, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, county of Cook, State of Illinois, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Apparatus for Generating Acetylene Gas; and I declare the following to be a full, clear, and

exact description of the invention, such as will enable oth ers skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification.

My invention relates generally to apparatus for generating gas, and more particularly to acetylene-gas generators especially designed for supplying gas to locomotive-headlights.

My present invention comprises certain improvements in .the acetylene-gas-generating apparatus covered by my prior patents No. 670,196, granted March 19, 1901, and No. 708,956, granted September 9, 1902. A The improvements herein disclosed consist, first, in providing the controlling-valve with ports to connect either one or both of the carbid-cylinders with the atmosphere when they are disconnected from the water-supply and gas-delivery passages, thereby rendering unnecessary vent check-valves which are liable to be held ott their seats by particles of foreign matter and permit water to flow into the cylinders from the interior of the equalizing chamber; second, in supporting the drip-troughs at their front ends upon the spray-nozzles; third, in dividing the carbidtrays into compartments, thereby separating the carbid into several portions which are successively consumed; fourth, in providing a restricted or graduated tiow of water into the carbid-cylinders; fifth, in rendering the flow of water to the carbid-cylinders constant by preventing the waves produced in the generating-chamber by the motion of the locomotive iiowing directly in to the carbid-cylinders, and, sixth, in providing an escape for the gas from the water-chamber separate from the water overiiow, so that the escaping gas may be conducted to the locomotive-cab or other point out ot' danger ot' ignition by the trainmens torches.

My invention has Jfor its object the'production of a generator for supplying acetylene gas to the headlight ot' a locomotive which will be simple in construction, inexpensive in manufacture, and reliable and eiiicient in operation.

My invention will be more fully described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same is illustrated as embodied in a convenient and practical form, and in which- Figure 1 is an elevational view of myinvention, parts of the surrounding walls ot' the chambers being broken away; Fig. 2, an elevational view looking' from the right in Fig. 1 Fig. 8, a central longitudinal section through one oi' the carbid-cylinders, taken on line 3 3, Fig. a; Fig. 4, a plan view ot' the two carbidcylinders, showing the ports and passages leading to and from the same; Fig. 5, a cross-sectional view on line 5 5, Figs. 3 and 4; Fig. 6, a detailed view of the tubes through which water passes to the carbid-cylinders; Figs. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, detailed views showing the con trolling-valve in its tive diierent positions,

and Fig. 12 a detailed view of the spray- 75 nozzle.

Similar reference characters are used in the several figures of the drawings to indicate similar parts.

Reference character A indicates the water- 8O chamber, which supplies water to the equalizing-chamber C. The Water-chamber may conveniently consist in an upright cylinder supported at its lower end upon the equalizingchamber, which may conveniently consist in a horizontally-disposed cylinder.

A indicates asupply-pipe through which water is delivered to the water-chamber.

A2 indicates a discharge-pipe leading from the top of the water-chamber and extending 90 to the locomotive-cab or any other point where there will be no danger of the ignition of the escaping' gas from the trainmens torches or otherwise.

A3 designates a horizontal pipe supported at its opposite ends in collars secured in the walls of the water-chamber. One end ot' the pipe A3 is closed by any suitable means-as,

for instance, a screw-plug a34while its opposite end is open. A pipe Al is connected to the transverse pipe A3 by means of a T-coupling ce". The pipe A'iextends downwardly below the transverse pipe and terminates at a point adjacent to the top of the water-chamber.

A6 indicates a steam-coil for maintaining the water at atemperature above freezing.

A pipe C' extends downwardly into the chamber C, and terminates at a point adjacent to the bottom thereof. A cylinder head C2 closes the end of thecylinder C and is detachably secured thereto by any suitable meanssuch, for instance, as bolts extending through registering holes in the cylinder-head and in a collar c2, rigidly secured around the end of the chamber C.

A plurality of carbid-cylinders 1 and 2 are secured to the cylinder-head C and are preferably formed integrally therewith. The ends of the carbid -cylinders extend through the cylinder-head and are closed by means of hand-hole covers d, removably held in position over the ends of the cylinders by any suitable means-such, for instance, as screwthreaded shafts f', which engage screwthreaded holes through bars F. The bars F are removably supportedin bales f, pivotally mounted upon the exterior of the cylinderhead C2. The valve-casing D is also supported by the cylinder-head C2 and preferably formed integrally therewith.

Passages d', cl2, and Z5 extend through the valve-casing D from the valve-seat therein to the carbid-cylinder 1, while corresponding passages cl2, d", and CZ extend through the valve-casing from the other side of the valveseat to the interior of the carbid-chamber 2. rlhe passage d is formed in the valve-casing and extends from a point in communication with the tog of the valve-seat to a conical recess L, formed in aportion of the casting adjacent to the valve-casing'. T he carbidcylinders are provided with carbid trays K and K2,respectively. Such trays are provided with a series of transverse partitions c, k2, and k2, which form compartments for containing separate quantities of carbid.

Located in the carbid-cylinders are spraytroughs L/ and L2, respectively, which are supported at their inner ends upon flanges E, formed integrally with the cylinders. The front ends of the spray-troughs are partially covered by inwardly extending flanges Z and Z2, respectively, which are adapted to engage around annular collars formed on the spray-nozzles 0' and 02. rlhe spray-nozzles are secured into the lower ends of passages d3 and Z2 and are provided with openings, preferably as shown in Fig. l2, through which the water passes to the spray-troughs, the latter being provided with a series of perforations for the water to pass through and flow upon the carbid in the trays K' and K2. Itis evident, therefore, that the spray-nozzles 0 and 02 perform the double function of spraying the water into the troughs and also of supporting the front ends of the water-troughs.

A plurality of short tubes M and M2 extend above the valve-casing and communicate with the valve-seat at points in alinement with the end ofthe passage cl, which communicates with the valve-seat. The tubes M' and M2 are of different heights, and each is provided with passages through its wall extending different distances below the top thereof. Such passages may conveniently consist in saw-cut yslots m and m2, the former of which is cut deeper than the latter. Consequently when the water-level rises in the cylinder C the water will first pass through the slots m/ and subsequently through the slots m2. In order to insure the water passing through -the slots in the upper ends of the tubes when the waterlevel is not above the tops of the tubes, a hood M, having a closed top, sides, and end, is secured around the upper ends of the tubes by any suitable means-such, for instance, as a screw or rod m passing through the side walls and clamping the same against the tubes. The bottom of the hood, as well as the front end, is open to permit the water-level to rise within the same, while the closed top and rear end prevent water from flowing directly into the open tops of the tubes when the motion of the locomotive produces waves in the equalizingchamber.

A conical coupling H lits within the conical opening t, formed in the casting adjacent to the valve-seat. Such coupling is extended in the form of a rod H3 through the opening in the casting and chamber-head C2 and is en-` gaged by a nut located on the outside of the chamber-head and is thereby removably retained in engagementwith its conical seat L. A pipe H forms acontinuation of the coupling H and is secured at its other end by means of a T-coupling /t to an upright pipe H2. The pipe H is preferably curved, as shown in Fig. A, to give it suflicient resiliency to permit a close contact between the conical coupling and its seat. The pipe H2 extends upwardly into the water-chamber A and is surrounded by the pipe B1, secured to the upper surface of the chamber C. The pipe B'1 communicates with the upper end of a pipe B3 and extends downwardly and also horizontally within the water-chamber, and communicates, by means of a T-coupling b2, with a vertical pipe B2. The pipe B2 is connected to a gas-purifier B', which in turn communicates with a delivery-pipe B, extending through the water-chamber A. rlhe cut-olf cock t is located in the portion of the delivery-pipe B which extends beyond the water-chamber. A regulator of any suitable construction may be provided for maintaining a constant pressure of gas in the deliverypipe. The regulator forms no part of my present invention, and hence illustration and detail description thereof is unnecessary. The

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pipe H2 is extended below the T-coupling Zt and projects through the lower wall of the equaliZing-chamber and is there provided with a drain-nozzle L2. The pipe B2 is similarly extended downwardly through the lower wall of the eq ualiZing-chamber and is also provided with a drain-nozzle Z2.

The valve G is located within the valve-casing D and controls the several passages Z, Z Z2, Z3, Z2, Z5, and Z leading to and from the carbid-cylinders l and 2. The valve Gr preferabl y consists in a conical plug provided with superficial irregular passages g2, g3, 9*, and g5 and a passage g extending from the super- I'icial passage g2 through the valve to the exterior of the chamber-head C2. The function ,of the passage g2 on the valve is to connect either one or both of the carbid-cylinders with the atmosphere through the medium of the passages Z and Z2 in the valve-casing and the passage g in the valve. The function of the passage g2 is to connect either one or both of the carbid-cylinders with the short tube M2 through the medium of the passages Z3 and Z The function of the passage g* is to connect either one or both of the carbidcylinders with the longer tube M,also through the medium of passages Z 2 and (Z2. 'Ihe function of passage f5 is to connect either one or both of the carbid-cylinders with the gas-delivery pipe Z through the medium of the passages Z 2 and Z.

When the handle g of the valve is in the position All off, (indicated inFig.2,) the valve is in the position shown in Fig. 7, in which both carbid-cylinders are disconnected from thewater-supply tubes M and M2 and also from the gas-delivery passage Z, but are both connected to the atmosphere through the passages Z and Z2 in the valve-casing and the passages g2 and g in the valve.

.When the valve-handle g is turned to the position One off, (indicated in Fig. 2,) the valve is in the position indicated in Fig. 8, in which carbit'l-cylinder Z is disconnected from the water-supply tubes and the gas-delivery passage, but is connected to the atmosphere through the passages Z g2, and g. In such position of the valve the cylinder 2 is connected with the water-supply tube N through the passages Z4 and g2 and is also connected to the gas-delivery pipe by the passages eZ, g5, and Z.

When the valve-handle g is turned to the position 'Iwo off, the valve occupies the polsition shown in Fig. 9, in which the carbidcylinder 2is disconnected from the water-supply tubes and the gas-deliverypassage, owing to the passages g2, g", and g2 on the valve being out of register with the passages Z i and Z, but is in communication with the atmosphere through the passages Z2, 2, and g.

Then the valve-handle g is turned to the position "Two on,77 the valve assumes the position indicated in Fig. l0, in which the passage g2 is out of register with both of the passages Z and Z2, and hence the two cylinders are both disconnected from the atmospheric vent. In this position of the Valve the cylinder 2 is connected with the short tube M2 by means of thev passages ZL and g3, while the cylinder l is connected with the longer supply-tube M through the passages Z 3 and g4. In this position of the valve both of the cylinders are connected with the gas-delivery pipe, owing to the passage gi being in register with both of the passages Z5 and ZG and the passage (Z.

I Vhen the valve-handle g is turned to the i position of One on, the valve is rotated so that its passages are located as shown in Fig. 1l, in which neither of the passages Z or Z2 is in communication with the passage g2, and hence both cylinders are disconnected from the atmospheric vent. In this position of the Valve the cylinder l is connected with the shorter water-supply tube M2 through the passages Z 2 and l(/3, while the cylinder 2 is connected'with the longer water-supply tube M through the passages Z J and g1. In this position of the valve the passage /5 connects both of the passages Z5 and Zi with the deliverypassage Z, and consequently places both of the cylinders in communication with the gas-,de-

livery pipe.

rIhe valve G is an eleven (1l) way valve, 1n`

the sense that it performs the following eleven functions: First, it conducts gas from carbidcylinder 1; second, it conducts gas from carbid-cylinder 2; third, it conducts water to carbid-cylinder l; fourth, it conducts water to carbid-cylinder 2; h'fth, it connects the short water-pipe M2 with one carbid-cylinder only; sixth, it connects the longer water-tube M with the other carbid-cylinder only; seventh, it conducts gas from both carbid-cylinders to the delivery-pipe; eighth, it connects only carbid-cylinder l with the atmosphere; ninth, it connects only carbid-cylinder 2 with the atmosphere; tenth, it simultaneously connects' both carbid-cylinders with the`atmosphcre, and, eleventh, it simultaneously disconnects both carbid-cylinders from the atmosphere.

The general operation `of my improved acetylene-gas generator is the same as the operation of the apparatus covered by my patent granted September 9, 1902, and may be briefly described as follows: I/Vater is supplied through the pipe A to the water-chamber A and thence iiows through the pipe O into the chamber O and rises in the pipe Bi around the pipe H2, to the level of the water in the chamberA. Then it is desired to generate g'as in both of the carbid-cylinders, the valve-handle is turned to either of the positions One on or "Two on, when the valve assumes either the position shown in Fig. lO or Fig. l1. Tater then iiows through the lowest passage in the top of the shorter tube into one ofthe carbidcylinders and is distributed, by means of IOO IIO

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the spray-nozzle and drip-trough, upon the carbid. The gas flows through thc valve and coupling H into the delivery-pipe H', thence through the pipe H, then through the pipes B3 and B, through the purilier B/ into the pipe B, and thence to the point of use, which in the present instance is the headlight of the locomotive. The excess o'f gas generated over the amount consumed 'forces the water downwardly in the chamber C and up into the water-chamber A. Should the waterin the chamber A rise above the upper end of the pipe A4, it would pass into the same and through the transverse pipe A3 to the exterior of the water-chamber. If the excess ot' generated gas is so great that all ot' the water is forced out of the generating-chamber into the water-chamber and gas also flows into the waterchamber, it will be discharged through the pipe A2, which may be extended to any point where there is little danger of ignition. By providing a separate overl'low-pipe the water may be discharged at .a point adjacent to the exterior of the generator, while the discharge-pipe for the gas may be extended to the least dangerous point of discharge. I hen the excess of generated gas diminishes, the water-level in the chamber C rises, so that water will pass through all of the passages through the tops of the water tubes, and hence be supplied to the carbid-cylinders in greater quantity, resulting in increased generation otl gas. rIhe location of the hood over the upper end of the water-supply tubes prevents an abnormal generation ot' gas, which would otherwise occur whenever a wave produced by the motion oi' the locomotive carried the water above the open ends of the water-supply tubes.

The water is delivered to the carbid-cylinders at points near the Vfront thereof, and consequently the carbid in the front end ot' the trays first receives the water and is consequently lirst consumed. By providing partitions in the carbid-trays the carbid in the front compartment is li rst consumed, and when it has become saturated the water ilows over the adjacent partition /c into the next com partment and saturates the carbid therein. In such manner the carbid in the several compartments is successively consumed. By providing the partitions in the carbid-trays a more thorough consumption of the carbid is eiiccted than occurs where no partitions are employed, as in the latter case the expansion of the carbid which lirst receives the water causes it to extend over the adjacent carbid and communicate moisture thereto.

From the foregoing description it will be observed that I have invented an improved acetylene-gasgenerating apparatus in which a single valve controls the supply of water to, the delivery of gas from, and the connection with the atmosphere of either one or both of a plurality of carbid-cylinders. It will be also observed that I have invented an improved means 'for supporting the drip-troughs in the carbid-cylinders, improved trays for holding the carbid and effecting a more uniform consumption thereof, and improved water-supply tubes for automatically controlling the supply of water according to the excesses of generated gas, an improved device for preventing the waves of water in the generating chamber or tank from producing abnormal gas generation, and by separating the wateroverIiow and gas-discharge from the waterchamber the water may be discharged at the generator, while the gas may be conveyed to a distant point.

Vhile I have described more or less precisely the details of construction, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myselfl thereto, as I contemplate changes in form, the proportion of parts, and the substitution of equivalents as circumstances may suggest or render expedient Without departing `from the spirit of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is#

1. In an acetylene-gas generator, the combination with a plurality of carbid-receptacles, o1 a single valve having ports for controlling the supply of water to, the delivery of gas from, and the venting of said plurality of receptacles.

2. In an acetylene-gas generator, the combination with a plurality of carbid-receptacles, of a single plug-valve, having superficial passages and ports for controlling the supply of water to, the delivery of gas from, and the venting of said plurality of receptacles.

3. In an acetylene-gas generator, the combination with a plurality of carbid-recepta cles, of a single valve having ports Jfor controlling the supply ot' water to and the delivery oi gas from any one of said receptacles, and for simultaneously venting another receptacle.

4. In a gas-generator, the combination with an equaliZing-chamber, a removable nead for said chamber, and a plurality of carbid-receptacles formed rigid with said head, a single valve interposed between the receptacles, and provided with gas, water and vent passages, gas water and vent passages connecting the passages ol the valve with said receptacles, and means whereby the valve may be turned to open communication with one receptacle, and shut off communication with and at the same time vent another receptacle.

5. In a gas-generator, the combination with an equalizingchamber, a removable head therefor, a plurality of carbid-receptacles connected with said head, a turning plug provided with independent gas and Water inlet and outlet ports and a vent-port, gas and Water inlet and water inlet and outlet passages and a ventpassage leading from the plug to each receptacle, and means whereby the plug may be turned to open communication with one carbid-receptacle, and shut ofi' conimuication with and simultaneously vent another receptacle.

6. In an acetylene-gas generator, the oombination with a carbid-receptacle, of a driptrough therein, a spray-nozzle through which water passes to said trough, and means for supporting said trough at one end upon said nozzle.

7. In an acetylene-gas generator, the combination with a carbid-receptacle, of a driptrough therein having inwardly-projecting' flanges at one end, a spray-nozzle through which water passes to said trough, and an annular collar on said nozzle adapted to be engaged by said anges and thereby support said trough.

8. In an acetylene-gas generator, the cornbination with a plurality7 of carbid-recepta- Cles, of an equalizing-chamber adapted to contain water, a -plurality of tubes of ditferent height extending into said equalizing-chaniber and each adapted to communicate with any one of said carbid-receptacles, any one of said tubes having' a plurality of passages through its wall the lower edges of which extend diierent distances below the top thereof.

9. In an acetylene-gas generator the colnbination with an equalizing-chainber adapted to contain water, of a carbid-receptacle, a tube extending into said Chamber and adapted to communicate with said carbid-receptacle, and a hood closed at its top and open at its side supported around the open end of and fixed relatively to said tube.

10. In an acetylene-gas generator, the combination with an equalizing-chamber, of a carbid-receptacle, a tube extending into said chamber and adapted to Communicate with said carbid-receptacle, saidtube having a plurality of passages through its walls the lower edges of which extend different distances below the top thereof, and a hood supported around the open top of said tube.

ll. In an acetylene-gas generator, the coinbination with a plurality of carbid-receptacles, and an equalizing-chalnber adapted to Contain water, a plurality of tubes of different heights extending into said equalizing-charnber, and adapted to communicate with said receptacles successively,said tubes having passages through their walls adapted to carry the ow of water through the saine into the receptacles, and a hood supported around the open ends of said tubes.

l2. In an acetylene-gas generator, the cornbination with a water-chamber, of an equalizing-chainber in communication therewith, an overiiow-pipe leading' to the exterior of said water-chamber, and a separate gas-discharge pipe leading' from said water-chamber.

13. In an acetylene-gas generator, the oombination with a water-chamber, of an equalizing-chaniber, a transverse pipe su pported at its ends by the walls of said water-chamber and communicating with the exterior of the latter, an overliow-pipe located in said watercharnber Communicating with said transverse pipe and terminating near the top of said water-chamber, a water seal located in said overlow-pipe, and a separate gas-discharge pipe leading from said water-chamber.

In testirnony whereorI I sign this specification in the presence oi' two witnesses.

' E. R. COOK.

Witnesses:

Guo. L. I/VILKINsoN, E. H. BELL. 

